The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan preliminary consumer sentiment index rose to 98.2 in January from a final reading of 93.6 in December, exceeding expectations for an increase to 94.2. That was the highest level since January 2004.
The increase was driven by falling gasoline prices and a strengthening labour market.
A gauge of consumers' current expectations climbed to 108.3 in January from 104.8 in December.